16 DAY VIETNAM & CAMBODIA WITH MEKONG LUXURY CRUISE
Australian Company Owned
Return Flights by Vietnam Airlines
Fully Escorted by English speaking guide
Small Group Tour
Day by Day Itinerary
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Cruise, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
Highlights
Explore the bustling capital of Hanoi, where ancient history meets modern life. Your tour includes a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, offering insight into the country’s scholarly traditions and Confucian roots. You’ll also explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, featuring the revered Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the historic One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi’s architectural ingenuity. This day offers a blend of cultural and historical significance, ideal for history buffs and those eager to understand Vietnam’s heritage.
Embark on a journey to Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This day is dedicated to cruising through the emerald waters, where over 1,600 limestone islands and islets create a mystical, awe-inspiring landscape. You’ll explore hidden caves, such as the striking grottoes, and take in the majestic views from the sundeck of your cruise ship. This serene yet adventurous experience offers a perfect mix of relaxation and exploration in one of the world’s most beautiful natural settings.
Wander the streets of the charming town of Hoi An, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient architecture and rich history. You’ll stroll through the bustling local market and visit iconic landmarks like the Japenese Covered Bridge and the Old Merchants’ House, all while learning about the town’s role as a major trading port in Southeast Asia. A peaceful walk along the Thu Bon River caps off this day of discovery, making it an enriching experience for those fascinated by history, architecture, and culture.
Venture to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels, an extensive underground network used during the Vietnam War. These tunnels served as strategic bases and provided refuge for Vietnamese soldiers. The tour offers a unique opportunity to crawl through some of the tunnels and see the creative ways the Viet Cong used the labyrinth for survival.
Bask on a luxurious cruise along the Mekong Delta, a region teeming with life and natural beauty. As you sail along this vital waterway, you’ll visit traditional villages, observe local handicraft production, and taste tropical fruits. This day immerses you in the agricultural heartland of Vietnam, showcasing the vibrant cultures and livelihoods sustained by the mighty Mekong River.
Explore the capital city of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, starting with the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, where Khmer architecture shines in all its glory. You’ll also visit the haunting Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields, gaining deeper insight into the atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge regime.
Itinerary
Hanoi, Vietnam
Today you will depart from your home for the flight to Hanoi – Capital of Vietnam.
On arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Meal: In-flight meals
Accommodation: Silk Path Hotel Hanoi 4* or similar
Hanoi City Tour
After breakfast, you will have a bustling day to visit a city tour of Hanoi and will explore attractions such as the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, Ho Chi Minh Complex (Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda) and Tran Quoc Pagoda, one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. Lunch is included in this day.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Silk Path Hotel Hanoi 4* or similar
Optional tour: Hanoi Street Food (Dinner included)
Enjoy a walk around the Old Quarter in the afternoon and appreciate the local lifestyles as you wind through Hanoi’s streets. You will have a taste of Northern Vietnamese delicacies such as:
Stuffed pancake, banh my, stuffed sticky rice balls, the unique egg coffee and many more.
Hanoi Halong Bay
Today you will travel by coach through the rich farm land of the Red River Delta to arrive at Halong Bay. Designated a World Heritage site in 1994, Halong Bay’s spectacular scatter of islands, dotted with wind- and wave-eroded grottoes, is a vision of ethereal beauty. Upon arrival, you will board you ship to visit the thousands of limestone islands filled with caves of all shapes and sizes. The sails of junks and sampans gliding along the clear and emerald waters of the bay form a magnificent scene that blends into the sky. You will also have the opportunity to visit some of the hidden grottoes beneath the towering cliffs.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Calypso Cruise 4* or similar
Halong Bay Hanoi Danang Hoi An
Awake early and join a Tai Chi session on the top deck or simply relax and enjoy the sunrise over the bay’s towering islands. Enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea before exploring nearby islands by rowboat. Return to the junk and admire the amazing rock formations of Halong Bay from the sundeck. Your driver will meet you at the Halong jetty then we drive to Noi Bai Airport and get ready for a short flight to Da Nang. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to Danang to check in your hotel.
Meal: Brunch
Accommodation: Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness 5* or similar
Hoi An Optional tour to Golden Bridge Tour
Today you can enjoy a day of leisure to explore Danang or join our optional tours.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness 5* or similar
Optional tour: Golden Bridge Tour
On arrival at the foot of Ba Na Mountain, we’ll travel by cable car up to the Marseille station. Then it’s a short walk to the Golden Bridge which appears to be lifted by two “hands of the Gods”. When you’re on the bridge, you’ll feel like you’re walking on the clouds.
Time for taking photos of the breathtaking view. Afterwards, it’s on to a romantic flower garden – Le Jardin D’Amour. The 9 gardens are 9 stories in 9 unique architectural styles.
Next, it’s time to visit Linh Ung Pagoda to admire its sophisticated architecture and the 27m high Shakyamuni statue.
Finally, we’ll catch the cable car down the hill for the transfer back to Hoi An.
Hoi An Walking Tour Ho Chi Minh City
After breakfast, you will explore Hoi An’s bustling local market and other attractions with unique architectures such as Old Merchants’ House, a local Chinese Temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge. Enjoy a stroll along the peaceful Thu Bon River, one of the world’s famous trading port in the past. It will be an ideal day for you to learn about the fascinating stories and history of these ancient architectures.
Late afternoon, get transferred to the airport for flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Rex Hotel Saigon 5* or similar
Ho Chi Minh City Cu Chi Tunnels
After breakfast, head to Cu Chi Tunnels, a byzantine maze of underground passages, chambers and booby traps used by both the Viet Minh and the Viet Cong during Vietnam-US war. The tunnel system had become legendary during the 1960s as a strategic military base and underground community life.
In the afternoon, you will visit the bustling city of Saigon such as: Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, War Remnant Museum and dive into the colorful Ben Thanh Market, one of Ho Chi Minh’s liveliest areas
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Rex Hotel Saigon 5* or similar
Optional tour: Dinner on Saigon River Cruise
Dinner on Saigon River Cruise offers an opportunity to witness another side of Saigon. The city is not only a bustling metropolis but also a romantic land. Hop on a huge wooden barge and sail down the river. Feel the gentle breeze caressing your skin and enjoy a lovely dinner accompanied by the traditional music and dance performances.
Allotment on cruise is the subject to change. Please check availability when requested.
Jayavarman Cruise: Ho Chi Minh City My Tho Tan Phong Island
After breakfast, you will be we welcomed in the morning at the Cruise’s lounge. Relax with a second coffee while our staff collects your details. We bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of Saigon and travel 70 kilometres south overland towards My Tho to embark on our vessel. After checking into your luxurious floating “home,” the sailing on this major Asian waterway begins.
A lunch buffet is served in the restaurant as the vessel steadily glides upstream. As twilight bathes the Mekong Delta in a golden haze, take the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers and join in our official welcome with canapés and prosecco.
During dinner, the ship will likely reach Tan Phong Island area near Cai Be, where we anchor midstream. This is your first glimpse of the bustling area where we will begin our Mekong adventure on land tomorrow. Join us for some late-night entertainment in the evening cinema, featuring interesting classic movies or thrilling documentaries.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise 5* or similar
Tan Phong Island Binh Thanh Island Tan Chau
Wake early to embrace the stunning dawn scenery, a time when the Delta’s inhabitants have already been active for hours. Energize yourself with our daily morning Tai Chi class before indulging in a lavish breakfast buffet. By local boat, we gain access to the secluded island of Tan Phong, a small island situated in the midst of one of the expansive Mekong River tributaries flowing toward the nearby sea.
During a visit to a local workshop, we’ll have the opportunity to observe the production of rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies, and rice wine. The region here is abundant with palm trees, making the region renowned for its coconut candy production. While the vessel continues to sail upstream, take some leisure time for yourself or visit the bar to enjoy an authentic Vietnamese coffee, all while observing the riverbanks’ vibrant life passing by.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise 5* or similar
Tan Chau Border crossing Phnom Penh
Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam.
Once on shore, we see Tan Chau’s vibrant town-life as we hop on “xelois”, which are local vehicles still used as a taxi in this area. Your personal xeloi driver slowly navigates through the streets to observe all the workshops, houses and shops while feeling the laid-back vibe of this place. We stop at the colourful, local market near one of the town’s temples. This is a great opportunity to interact with the vendors of this friendly town and try your hand at bargaining with them.
To see what Tan Chau is famous for, we board local boats and head to a floating fish farm. You are about to get an exclusive look into the world’s largest inland aquaculture industry. Each of the floating structures has netting hanging down into the water to enclose the fish, which are raised and fed on a daily basis. The region’s specialties are tilapia and the Basa catfish, or Pangasius, which is unique to the Mekong River basin and rapidly gaining popularity on the international seafood market.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Jayavarman Cruise 5* or similar
Phnom Penh
Welcome to Phnom Penh – the city once named Paris of the East. Despite its rapid development, it has retained a lot of its rustic charm and elegance. It is an amazing town with centuries of incredible history and culture which can still be felt at many street corners.
Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home before disembarking the ship. We hope you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as our crew does every single time. Moreover, take the enchanting memories and friendships along with you and share the stories of this amazing river – the Mighty Mekong.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh 4* or similar
Phnom Penh City Tour
This morning, you will take a Phnom Penh city tour to The Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, National Museum, Wat Ounalom and Central Market. Then discover the place where journalists camped on the eve of the Khmer Rouge takeover, followed by a visit to the ghostly building. Later on, continue to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former high school which was used as the notorious Security Prison 21 (S-21) by the Khmer Rouge regime before heading to Choeung Ek Killing Field to learn about the atrocities that took place here. To end your journey today, you will have a chance to taste some Khmer snacks while learning about the sombre Cambodian history.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Baitong Hotel & Resort Phnom Penh 4* or similar
Phnom Penh Siem Reap
After breakfast, you will join and spend your 6 hour from Phnompenh to Siem Reap. On arrival, check in your hotel and relax. Overnight in Siem Reap.
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Empress Angkor Hotel 4* or similar
Siem Reap Angkor Temples Complex
Today, you will spend a full-day visiting the breathtaking Angkor Temples including Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom (home to Elephant Terrace, Bayon Temple, Terrace of Leper King and Ta Prohm).
Meal: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Empress Angkor Hotel 4* or similar
Siem Reap Home
You will get some free time before getting transferred to the airport for a flight back home.
Meal: Breakfast, In-flight meals
Accommodation: On flight
Optional tour: Tonle Sap Lake Tour
Hop on a boat to Tonle Sap Lake. All the houses here are on stilts. The tour offers breathtaking views of floodplains, rice fields and water vistas as far as the eye can see. You have a chance to take a look at crocodiles raised by a family and see how Vietnamese people live on a large lake. Then we return to the hotel for relaxing.
Home
You will arrive home today and we hope you enjoy your trip with AVG Travels.
Included
- Return Flights by Vietnam Airlines from Australia
- Incredible sightseeing, including an overnight cruise on Halong Bay and guided tours of Sapa, Hanoi, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Angkor Temples
- Enjoy a 3 nights on Luxury Mekong Cruise called Jayavarman Cruise.
- Daily breakfasts and full board meals on Halong Cruise and Mekong Cruise.
- Fully escorted by professional English-speaking tour guides in each city
- Air-conditioned transportations throught the trip
- In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Excluded
- Meals and drinks are not mentioned in the program
- Visa fees in Vietnam, Cambodia
- Tipping for driver and tour guide (suggestion: AUD10/pp/day)
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (we strongly recommend you hold a valid travel insurance policy for all domestic and overseas travel)
- Trip delay or interruption by airline schedule change
- Extra cost or missing tour caused by flight delay or cancel
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
AVG Travels offers you a pay in “3 Instalment Payment Plan” as follows
- First payment: $300 per person deposit due at time of booking
- Second payment: $3,000 per person due 7 days after the initial booking.
- Final payment: Balance due 120 days before your departure date.
Please note AVG Travels 7-day cooling off offer.
Please refer to the “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking, you can request a full refund of your initial deposit. Please note, after 7 days, our standard terms and conditions apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including name, booking number and the reason for cancellation.
Flight Information
Flights
This package includes return flights from Sydney/Melbourne.
Flights from Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth attract a $400 surcharge.
Airline Selection: We book the best available airlines for your journey, which may include a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers. Specific airline requests can be made at the time of purchase. This includes upgrades to your preferred carrier, premium economy or business class cabins or specific seats. Whilst we will try our best, not all requests can be confirmed.
Flight Conditions: Flights may not be direct and could involve a maximum of two transits.
Ticketing Information: Once issued, tickets are non-refundable. Changes are subject to airline rules, airline change fees, and an AVG Travels change fee of $250 per person.
Passenger Details: Please ensure all traveller names are as per passports. This includes all middle names. Errors may incur a name change fee of $150 plus airline charges, or require the purchase of a new ticket.
Flight Schedule Changes: Any changes or cancellations to airline schedules are outside our control. We recommend staying updated with airline schedules before departure. Additional expenses for extended transits or alternative arrangements are the traveller’s responsibility.
Internal Airfares: Local flights included in your itinerary may utilise low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage is included; any additional baggage fees are payable at check-in.
Booking Considerations: If travelling with others on separate bookings, we may not be able to guarantee all flights are the same due to availability.
Luggage and Fees: You are responsible for your luggage at all times. Excess baggage fees, if incurred, are payable directly to the airline. All tickets will include 20 kg checked baggage per person, plus 7 kg of hand luggage. We recommend travelling with a max 20kg per person due to restrictions on internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Please note, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included.
No-Show Policy: Missing your flight may result in fees including a no-show fee, airline reissue fee, and possible new ticket purchase. AVG Travels charges a $250 admin fee for re-booking assistance.
Price Adjustments: Prices are final at the time of ticketing. Any subsequent changes may result in additional costs due to factors beyond our control, such as currency fluctuations or airline surcharges.
Important Information
Important Information
Land Only Packages
Transfers ARE NOT included for land only packages.
Please note that customers purchasing the land only option need to make their own way to the joining hotel and the airport at the end of the tour. AVG Travels can assist with purchasing private transfers if choosing the land only option.
Physical Requirements
A reasonable level of fitness is required. Participants should be comfortable navigating stairs, boarding and disembarking from the coach, and walking reasonable distances, typically around 2 km per day or more. Please disclose any physical conditions at the time of booking to assess suitability for the tour.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Please be advised that tipping for tour guides, drivers and bellmen are required and will be collected by your travel consultant 7 days before you depart. A gratuity of 10AUD per person/day can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry as they have done an impeccable job to serve you through your holiday.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is AU$3,800 in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available.
Group size: Min 2 – Max 16 travellers
Triple Share
Upon your request except for cruises
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while travelling.
We have partnered with Nib Travel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages. Visa conditions are subject to change at short notice, so it is the responsibility of the traveller to consult with the relevant consulates to ensure they have the appropriate visa for entry to the countries being visited.
Vietnam
All Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Vietnam. You should apply for your electronic visa (e-Visa) online at least 30 days prior to departure. Please check details at https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/web/guest/home
Alternatively, AVG Travels can assist with obtaining your Vietnam Visa prior to your travel.
Cambodia
All Australian passport holders require a visa to enter Cambodia. You can apply for an e-Visa online or get a visa on arrival at Siem Reap International Airport, in which case you will need to pay your visa fee in USD cash. If arriving in Cambodia on an upstream Mekong River cruise (travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia) you can obtain the visa on board and your crew will assist with this process on board.
From July 2024, all travellers arriving in Cambodia need to submit an electronic e-Arrival card. Please find details https://cambodiaarrivalcard.com/
This can be completed up to 7 days before the intended arrival into the country. If arriving in Cambodia on an upstream Mekong River cruise (travelling from Vietnam to Cambodia) there is no need to complete the arrival card.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Children
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
How to Extend Your Stay
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
AU$190 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
AU$140 per vehicle per way
Post Tour Accommodation
AU$190 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
AU$140 per vehicle per way
Please select the number of extra nights required in the ‘Additional Nights Accommodation’ field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Dates & Prices
Real Travelers Reviews
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Reserved your seat with a small deposit and you can change your mind in 7 days.
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